Annual Marathon of Sport fundraising event supports Caledon Special Olympics

Motionball Caledon to be held September 28

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon residents are invited to participate in a fun day of sports and games with local Special Olympics athletes while raising money for a good cause. 

On September 28, the annual Motionball Caledon Marathon of Sport event will be held at Edelweiss Park in Bolton to raise money for Special Olympics. 

The event sees teams of participants play games like soccer and benchball alongside Caledon Special Olympics athletes. Ahead of the event, participants collect pledges to raise money for Special Olympics. 

This year, the Motionball Caledon team hopes to raise $20,000 from the event. 

Lucrezia Chiappetta, a volunteer with Motionball Caledon, said Marathon of Sport is a flagship event that's always looked forward to. 

“It's an integrated approach to building education and knowledge around Special Olympics,” she said. “For people who don't have someone in their life who is a Special Olympics athlete or an individual with an intellectual disability, it really helps bring the community together… it builds social interactions, friendships and bonds.”

Chiappetta said Marathon of Sport is a very heartwarming fundraiser. 

Caledon Special Olympics athletes participate in a number of different sports like swimming, track and field, bowling, golf, basketball, and bocce. 

Motionball is a national non-profit that raises money for Special Olympics through integrated sport and social events. Marathon of Sport events are the signature events of Motionball. 

Those interested in participating in Motionball Caledon can register for the event as an individual, team, or volunteer. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the event.

For more information about the event or to register for it, residents interested can check out Motionball Caledon's official website at the following link: motionball.com/caledon/

“There's so many different ways to get involved,” said Chiappetta. “We're always looking for more teams — the more the merrier. We're up to five right now so we're really excited about that, and we're hoping for at least eight.”

Chiappetta said there's been lots of support from the Town of Caledon which has been helpful.

This year's Marathon of Sport will be the third to be held in Caledon. At past events, many different teams have participated, such as teams from Caledon Fire and Emergency Services, local businesses, and the Caledon OPP.

The event is known as a great way for high school students to get volunteer hours, and any interested students are encouraged to register to help out. 

Chiappetta said the Motionball Caledon team is working hard to make this year's event a great one.